Balaam Blesses Israel and Tempts Israel to Sin (Numbers 22-25; 31)

Jul 15, 2026

Story scripture material for the Story Producer app centered on Numbers 22–25 and 31, presenting how Balak, king of Moab, summons Balaam to curse Israel and enable Moab’s victory. Despite multiple attempts and elaborate sacrifices at several high places, God restrains Balaam: Israel is blessed, not cursed. The narrative culminates in Balaam’s messages from God affirming Israel’s exaltation, followed by Balaam leaving after speaking God’s words against Israel’s adversaries.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages25

Reading Time1 h 3 min

Balaam Summoned to Curse Israel

Balak’s Fear and Balaam’s Arrival

Altars and Offerings on the High Places

God’s Message: Israel Blessed

Refused Cursing on the First Two Attempts

Spirit of God and Balaam’s Blessing

Balak’s Anger and Balaam’s Limits

God Prevents Balaam’s Reward

Balaam Speaks God’s Words and Leaves

129b Balaam Blesses Israel and Tempts Israel to Sin Numbers 22-25; 31 English Bible Content for the Title Slide (slide \#0) in the Story Producer App Either "gray-background " or "front-cover-picture", to indicate your choice for the title slide image: gray-background Scripture reference or a subtitle for your story , in the LWC: Numbers 22:1-6, 36-41; 23-25; 31:1-17 Something like "Ideas for the story title:", in the LWC: Title ideas: A sample title in the LWC (Required): (Also record audio for this title.) Balaam Blesses Israel and Tempts Israel to Sin Another sample title in the LWC (Optional): Another sample title in the LWC (Optional): Another sample title in the LWC (Optional): Another sample title in the LWC (Optional): The Israelites were camped on the plains in Moab east of the Jordan River. Balak, the Moabite king, was terrified because he heard how the Israelites had defeated their enemies. Numbers 22:1-3 King Balak sent messengers to bring Balaam, a pagan diviner, to put a curse on Israel so that Moab could defeat the Israelites. Numbers 22:4-6 When Balaam arrived in Moab, King Balak asked,“Why did it take you so long to get here?” Balaam replied,“I am here now, but I can only say what God tells me to say.” Numbers 22:36-38 So King Balak took Balaam to three different high places where they could see the Israelite camp below. On every high place they built altars and sacrificed rams and bulls. Numbers 22:41-23:4; 23:13-14, 27-30 The first two times, the Lord did not allow Balaam to curse Israel. The Lord only allowed Balaam to bless them. At the third high place, the Spirit of God came on Balaam. Numbers 23:5-10, 16-24; 24:1-2 And Balaam said,“I hear this message from God: Israel, your kingdom will be exalted. Blessed is everyone who blesses you, and cursed is everyone who curses you.” Numbers 24:5-9 Balak angrily said,“What are you doing? I asked you to curse my enemies! Instead, you bless them three times! I promised to reward you for cursing Israel, but the Lord prevented you from getting your reward.” Numbers 23:11, 25; 24:10-11; Deuteronomy 23:4-5 Balaam replied,“I told you, I will only speak words the Lord puts in my mouth.” Then Balaam spoke curses from the Lord against Moab and Israel’s other enemies! Then Balaam left togo home. Numbers 23:12, 26; 24:12-25

FAQs

Why does King Balak call for Balaam in Numbers 22?

Balak is terrified after hearing how Israel defeated its enemies, so he summons Balaam to curse Israel so Moab can defeat them.

What happens when Balaam is taken to the high places to curse Israel?

On the first two high places, the Lord does not allow Balaam to curse Israel; only blessing is permitted.

How does Balaam respond to Balak when he refuses to curse Israel?

Balaam explains that he can only speak the words God puts in his mouth, and he then delivers messages that bless Israel and pronounce outcomes against Israel’s enemies.

Jul 15, 2026

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